Coupling system for sampling fields on transmission lines



May 4, 1954 J. F. BYRNE 2,677,807

COUPLING SYSTEM FOR SAMPLING FIELDS ON TRANSMISSION LINES Original Filed Dec. 11, 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 T GENERATOR an n 56 \\|lIl/ /43 '4 0 .74 52 62 4 48 I 0 A I f 45 44 34B 4? l- 22B O /aB a2 I INVENTOR JOHN E BYRNE BY M/M ATTOR I J. F. BYRNE COUPLING SYSTE FIELDS ON TRANSMISSI 1948 May 4, 1954 M FOR SAMPLING ON LINES 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Dec. 11.

INVENTOR JOHN F. BYRNE B 7 m 14" I ATTORN May 4. 1954 J. F. BYRNE 2,677,

COUPLING SYSTEM FOR SAMPLING FIELDS ON TRANSMISSION LINES Original Filed Dec. 11. 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 726 252 272 A 3 4c //4 Z46 46 d J /04 42 666 /@2 R\%%\\\\ w\\\ i\ I I 255* 21 4 226 243 235 INVENTOR JOHN E BYRNE ATTORNEY May 4, 1954 J. F. BYRNE 2,677,807

COUPLING SYSTEM FOR SAMPLING FIELDS ON TRANSMISSION LINES Or1g1nal Filed Dec. 11, 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 (Iii/I1 INVENTOR T E; JOHN F. BYRNE ATTORNE Patented May 4, 1954 COUPLING SYSTEM F OR SAMPLING FIELDS 0N TRANSMISSION LINES John F. Byrne, East Williston,

N. Y., assignor, by

mesne assignments, to Hewlett-Packard Company, Palo Alto, Calif., a corporation of California Original application Dece 64,871. Divided and t 1950, Serial No. 181,673

10 Claims.

This invention relates to systems for measuring electrical characteristics. More particularly it relates to apparatus for deriving two signals from a transmission line and for varying the relative magnitudes of these signals while maintaining a predetermined relationship between the two coupling coefiicients.

Impedance measurements have been made frequently in the past by the use of slotted coaxial transmission lines or slotted wave guides. In the slotted line system, a signal generator, or other source of electrical energy of the desired frequency, is connected to one end of the slotted line, and the component which is to be measured is connected to form a termination at the opposite end of the slotted line. The magnitude of the signal from a small pick-up probe, arranged to extend through the slot into the interior of the transmission line and responsive to either the voltage or the current along the slotted line, is indicated by a suitable instrument. By sliding the probe along the line, the position and relative magnitudes of the standing waves on the slotted line can be measured. The impedance of the terminating element can be calculated from these measurements and the known characteristics of the slotted line.

Although the technique involved in such measurements does not appear particularly complicated, it has been found in practice that to make satisfactory measurements by this method requires carefully designed apparatus and skillful and tedious operation.

The present invention is pact laboratory unit of the null-indicating type which overcomes, in a large measure, the disadvantages of earlier impedance measuring systems and which in most applications can be calibrated so as to eliminate lengthy and complex calculations. This application is a division of application Serial No. 64,871, filed December 11, 1948, and is directed particularly to an arrangement disclosed therein for coupling two signals from a transmission line.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved apparatus for coupling at least two signals from a transmission line and for adjusting simultaneously their magnitudes.

Another object is to provide such apparatus in which the attenuation of the signals is maintained in accordance with a predetermined rela tionship.

Still another object is to provide such apparatus in combination with calibrated indicating means.

embodied in a commber 11, 1948, Serial No.

his application August 26,

The various aspects, objects and advantages that relate to the claimed arrangements forming part of the illustrated apparatus, will be in part apparent from, and in part pointed out in, the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows, diagrammatically, an impedance measuring system illustrating the operation of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view, with suitable portions cut away, illustrating the construction of a laboratory impedance measuring apparatus embodying the invention;

Figure 3 is a plan View, with portions cut away, of the impedance measuring apparatus shown in Fig. 2;

' Figure 4 is a section taken along line tt of Fig. 3;

Figure 5 is a front view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 2, with a portion of the case cut away to show the internal components;

Figure 6 is a section taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 3;

Figure 7 is a section taken along lines T--! U of Figs. 4 and 5; and

Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the central portion of Fig. 7.

impedance at a point in a circuit may be obtained by applying a signal to the circuit at that point and measuring and current.

examining voltage-current relationships at one point in a circuit. In

order to simplify or eliminate subsequent calculations.

3 tenuated in order to be equal in value to the other. This determination establishes the magnitude of the impedance.

It is convenient to utilize the two signals after they have been equalized in value to determine the phase angle of the impedance. If the attenuation is accompished without changing the relative phase of the signals, the derived signals can be made to have the same phase difference as the current and voltage on the main transmission line. Thus, by transmitting the signals along refiectionless lines, points may be found on these lines where the phase of the two voltages is opposite. The difierence in the distances travelled by the signals from the main transmission line along the auxiliary lines to these points will then provide a basis for determining the phase angle of the impedance, provided the frequency of the signal is known.

Two auxiliary lines are coupled loosely to the main transmission line at a point between the signal generator and the load; one of the lines being magnetically coupled and the other electrostatically coupled.

Figure 1 illustrates, diagrammatically, apparatus for making such determinations. In this arrangement, a coaxial line 43 extends between the signal generator (not shown) and the load (not shown), the impedance of which is to be measured. A loop 22B is utilized to induce a current, proportional to the current in line 4B at the reference point, in a transmission line MB which is terminated by a resistor 2413', the value of which is equal to the characteristic impedance of line MB.

A capacity probe 34B induces a current, pro-,

portional to the voltage in line 43 at the point of reference, in a coaxial line 2613 which is terminated by a resistor 38B, the value of which is equal to the characteristic impedance of line 268.

As pointed out above, it is not necessary to determine the actual magnitudes of the currents in the transmission lines MB and 2613, but only to ascertain the ratio of the magnitudes of these currents. This is accomplished in the present embodiment by attenuating one or both of the currents so that the two currents are equal in magnitude, and measuring the relative attenuation of the signals necessary to bring about this condition. This can be accomplished, for example, by the use of piston type attenuators. Thus, a rigid tubular conductor or sleeve 42 is joined to the outer conductor 6B of transmission line dB at the point of reference. The outer conductor i813 of line MB is arranged to slide longitudinally within sleeve 42. Thus, the magnitude of the current induced in line I4B will vary in accordance with the position of transmission line i lB within the sleeve 42.

A similar attenuator is shown in conjunction with the capacity probe 34B and comprises an outer tubular conductor or sleeve 44, within which the outer conductor 32B of line B is arranged to slide. The lines 1413 and 26B are each secured to a carriage 46, as by brackets 48.

In order to move the piston attenuators, the carriage G6 is slidably mounted and arranged to be driven laterally in either direction by means of a screw 52, operated by a hand crank 54, while the main transmission line 4B, together with sleeves t2 and 44, is anchored to a suitable stationary support. Thus, as crank 54 is turned so as to move the carriage 46 from right to left, as seen in Figure 1, the coupling between loop 223 and the line 4B will be increased as the loop 22 4 approaches the inner conductor 82- of line 4B, whereas the coupling between probe 34B and the line 413 will be decreased simultaneously as the capacity probe 34B recedes from conductor 83.

Because the laws of attenuation of such simple piston attenuators are known, or can be measured, a calibration can be provided for indicating the magnitude of the ratio of voltage and current on line 43 at the point of reference. Thus, if the position of carriage 46 is adjusted in each instance so that the currents on lines MB and 26B are equal, a scale 56, which cooperates with a pointer 58, driven by a rack 62 on carriage 46, can be calibrated directly in terms of the magnitude of the impedance of line 4B at the point of reference.

In order to determine when the equality of cur-- rent between the lines MB and 2813 has been obtained, and at the same time determine the relative difference in phase between these currents and, thus, the phase angle of the impedance of line 43, a rigidly supported portion of the line [4B is. provided with a slot 64 extending through the outer conductor 1813 into the interior of the cable. A similar, but oppositely disposed, slot 65 is provided in the outer conductor 32B of a parallel rigidly supported portion of the line 2613. A small probe 66 is supported by an insulating yoke 68 and extends through slot 64 into coaxial line MB and is arranged to be moved longitudinally along the slot by rotation of a screw 10. A similar probe 12 xtends through the oppositely disposed slot 65 in line 28B and is ganged with probe 65 by means of the insulating yoke 68.

A primary winding 14 of a transformer, generally indicated at 16, extends between the two probes, and is coupled to a secondary winding 18, which is connected to a null-indicating device, generally indicated at 82.

Lines [413 and 26B are relatively free from standing waves, because these lines are properly terminated, however, the phase of the currents in each of these lines shifts along the length of the line, so that the phase of the voltages induced in the pickup probes 66 and i2 will depend upon their respective positions along the slotted portions of these lines. It is apparent that, as insulating yoke 63 is moved either to the right or left along the slotted portions of lines 43 and 26B, the distance between the point of reference and the yoke 68 along one of these lines will be increasing, while the distance along the other line will be decreasing simultaneously and, accordingly, a point can be located where the two signals are exactly 180 degrees out of phase. At this point, if the carriage it has been adjusted so that the currents in the lines MB and 26B are equal in magnitude, no signal will be induced in the secondary winding iii of transformer E6, and the null-indicating device 82 will denote this condition. Such a balance may be obtained readily by alternately adjusting the position of carriage 46 and the position of insulating yoke 68, to continually approach the null position by observing the indicator 82. Thus, when the null condition is obtained, the magnitude of the impedance on line 413 at the point of reference can be obtained directly from scale 56, and the phase angle of the impedance can be obtained from a calibrated scale 84, which cooperates with a pointer 85 extending from the yoke 63.

Figs. 2 through 8 provide a more detailed understanding of the construction of a practical laboratory impedance measuring unit embodying the present invention. For convenience in using the equipment and so that the impedance measuring portion or the system can be utilized with the greatest flexibility, the signal generator and null indicator are arranged to be connected together by flexible coaxial conductors. To this end, the impedance measuring portion of the system (Fig. 2) constructed as a separate unit in a cast aluminum case 562, and a conventional type coaxial connector I64 is provided on the front of the case so that a suitable signal generator can be connected readily to the unit.

This connector forms part of the main transmission line 40 (Fig. 3) and is connected by a short length of cable to a block, generally indicated at 1%, which comprises a section of the main transmission line and provides the structural rigidity for the coupling arrangement associated with the auxiliary lines MC and 28C.

In order that the distance between the point of reference, which is within the block it, and the load circuit may be short, electrically, this block tilt is placed near the front panel of the case 562, where the main transmission line, as it emerges from block IE6, is connected to a conventional coaxial connector H4, to which the load circuit is to be connected.

The block its has a hole extending through it from the rear to the front (Figs. 6 and 7), which forms a portion of the outer conductor of transmission line 50, and is secured by screws iii? to a pedestal 29 extending upwardly from the bottom of case Hi2.

For additional rigidity and convenience in coupling, the dimensions of the inner and outer conductors of the main transmission line are increased near the point of reference. Thus, the center conductor is formed, within block Hit, by a short section of rod H22, which is tapered as at Hi l, to the dimensions required by the connector H 3.

In order to couple electrostatically the auxiliary line EEC to the main line QC, a transverse opening is provided in block H35 into which is fitted a metal sleeve 340, having a smooth interior surface and a th eaded portion I26 on the exterior. To provide adjustable attenuation of the signal, a capacity coupling disc 350, is supported by an internal sleeve $28, which is positioned slidably within the sleeve MC and is connected by means of an elbow connector l32 to the outer conductor of auxiliary transmission line 256.

The center conductor I3 of auxiliary transmission line 250 extends from the connector l32 axially through the sleeve I28 and is supported therein by insulating material E35. Conductor I34 extends beyond the inner end of sleeve 128 (Fig. 8), where its diameter is increased, as at 36, and supports at its end the capacity coupling disc Thus, the amount of coupling varies as sleeve 125i, carrying with it probe 340 and the elbow connector E32, is moved longitudinally within sleeve MC.

The mechanism for making this attenuation adjustment is constructed as follows. The outer race of a thrust bearing H52 (Fig. 7), which surrounds and is supported by the sleeve H8, is secured within a collar its, which is provided at one end with external gear teeth 1% (Fig. 5), and at the opposite end with internal threads MS (Fig. 7), which engage the external threads I26 on sleeve MC. With this arrangement, rotation of collar l l l causes it to advance laterally along the threads 12S and carry with it, through the bearing M2, the transmission line, formed, by the conductor I34 and the sleeve I23, which supports the coupling disc MC.

In order to rotate the collar Hit, a knurled hand wheel E52 is pinned to a rotatably supported shaft wt, to which is secured also a drive gear I56, the teeth of which engage the gear teeth M5 of collar M4; these teeth being of surficient width along the collar its that drive gear !56 remains engaged therewith irrespective of the lateral adjustment of collar 1 54. Thus, adjustment of wheel 553, which projects through the top cover of case Hi2 (Fig. 2), causes gear I56 to rotate collar His advancing it along the threads I28 and moving with it the capacity probe 34C.

In a similar manner, the magnetically coupled auxiliary transmission line MO is arranged to couple to the main transmission line 5C. A sleeve 420 is secured, for example, by press-fitting, into a suitable transverse opening in block. 535 opposite the sleeve MC, and is provided with an externally threaded portion (55. A sleeve I52, arranged to slide longitudinally within the sleeve 42C in order to vary the amount of coupling, is connected, by means of an elbow connector I64, to the outer conductor of auxiliary transmission line MC, the inner conductor E66 of which extends coaxially through the sleeve I52 and is connected through a resistor H58 (Fig. 8) to a coupling loop, generally indicated at 22C.

This coupling loop is shielded electrostatically in order to prevent capacitive coupling between the loop and the main transmission line 50. A lead I72 is connected to resistor I63 and extends through a curved sleeve Il of conductive material, from which it is insulated, and is connected electrically to the end of a similar juxtaposed sleeve H6. The sleeves lit and lit are con nected to the end of and are supported by the internal sleeve 162; the adjacent ends of these sleeves being spaced to permit the desired magnetic coupling.

The driving mechanism for controlling the attenuation of the magnetically induced signal is similar to that described in connection with the 35C, and comprises a collar is in threaded engagement with the external threads 58 of the sleeve 42C and which is fitted at the opposite end to the outer race of a thrust bearing :82, the inner race of which is secured to sleeve l 62. A second driving gear I84 is secured to shaft E54 and is engaged with gear teeth 486 (Fig. 5) formed on the lines and simultaneously decreases the coupling of the other transmission line.

In order that the attenuation in both lines will change by the same amount with a given lateral movement of the attenuators, it is desirable to provide some means for compensating the natural difference in the rate of attenuation between the piston type capacitive and magnetic attenuators. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the internal diameter of sleeve NC is larger than the internal diameter of sleeve 120. These diameters are proportioned, in accordance with known laws of attenuation, so that the change in attenuation .per unit of axial movement of the piclcup probe is the same in the two attenuators.

The position to which the ganged attenuators must be adjusted, in order to produce currents of equal magnitudes in the auxiliary transmission lines MC and 26C, depends upon the ratio of volt age and current at the point of reference on the main line 40. Thus, assuming that means will be provided for indicating when this condition of equality has been established, the lateral position of the attenuators may be calibrated in terms of the magnitude of the impedance at the point of reference. This is accomplished conveniently by an annular flange I88 (Figs. and '7) which is secured to collar I44. The outer surface of flange I88 is provided with suitable vernier scale marks l2 (Fig. 5) which cooperate with an index mark it (Fig. 3) inscribed on a transparent window 196 in the cover of the case. I02. Additional scale marks 98 on the transparent window I96 serve as an indication of the lateral position of flange I33. Thus, the marks 198 provide the coarse scale divisions while the marks I52, cooperating with index mark I94, provide for more exact calibration. Conveniently, these scales are calibrated so that the magnitude of the impedance on the main transmission line at the point of reference can be read directly from them.

In order that the slotted transmission lines 260 and MC can be traversed conveniently by pick-up probes 66C and 720 (Fig. 4) the slotted portions are supported rigidly along a circular path. A flexible portion of the transmission line 250 (Fig. 3) extends from elbow connector it! toward the rear of case I02 where it joins the slotted section at point 208. From this point the outer conductor of transmission line 260 is formed by a block 252 of metal extending along the arc of a circle and which is secured at suitable intervals to upwardly extending bosses 2M, as by screws 2 IS. The inner surface of block M2 is provided with a slot 6'5C which coincides with a longitudinal slot in the insulation surrounding the center conductor of line 260. The arcuate block 252 of line 260 extends around most of the circumference of the circular path; the line being terminated at its end by a non-inductive resistance element (not shown) having a value substantially equal to the characteristic impedance of line 260 which, for example, may be of the order of ohms.

The auxiliary transmission line MC extends from elbow connector I64 (Fig. 3) toward the rear of case Hi2 at which point it becomes a slotted line and follows along a circular path adjacent the line 280, but in the opposite direction. The arcuate block 2 i 2 forms also the outer conductor of the slotted portion of line NC; a slot $40 similar to slot 650, being provided for line MC. Line MC after extending around the greater portion of the circumference of the circle is terminated by a resistance element (not shown) similar to that of line 26C.

The probes 536C and 12C (Fig. 4) are mounted on an insulating support 224 and extend into the slotted portions of the lines MC and 26C, respectively. The support 224 extends outwardly from an upright member 225 (see also Fig. 2) that is supported on a rotatably mounted turntable 228 (Fig. 4) Turntable 228 is provided with a. circularly-shaped bottom portion 232 and upwardly extending sides or flanges 234 in which a suitable opening 235 is provided so that the probes 66C and 22C can extend outwardly into the slotted portions of the auxiliary transmission lines.

In order that the turntable 228 can be rotated and yet be sufficiently sturdy that the coupling between the probes 66C and 12C and their respective slotted line portions does not change because portions of auxiliary Q (a of eccentric motion of turntable 228, a relatively large diameter ball bearing 236 is provided at the center of turntable 228; the inner race thereof being secured to a projection 242 preferably formed integrally with and extending upwardly from the bottom of case I02.

Thus, as the turntable 228 is rotated, the probes 65C and 12C traverse their respective portions of the slotted lines, with one of the probes electrically approaching the point of reference on the main transmission line, while the other probe electrically recedes from that point.

The two probes 56C and are joined together by a vertically extending conductor 2, which at its midpoint is connected to a horizontal lead 228, which will carry no signal from the probes, if, at the particular point where the probes are positioned in the slotted lines, the voltages induced in the probes GEC and 120 are exactly equal in magnitude and exactly degrees out of phase. At other points along these lines a signal representing the difference between the two voltages induced in the pick-up probes SEC and 12C will be carried by lead 246.

This lead 2&5 may be coupled directly to the null indicator (not shown) but in order to reduce the pick-up of spurious or stray signals it may be coupled through a series resonant circuit comprising a small variable condenser 248, the capacity or which may be adjusted by means of a control knob 252 on the upper surface of the case I02, and a coil 252; the values being such that the circuit can be adjusted to resonance at any frequency throughout the operating range of the instrument.

This resonant circuit is connected to the inner conductor of a flexible coaxial transmission line 258 which passes through an opening 252 (Fig. 3) in the bottom plate 232 of turntable 223 and extends in one or more loose spirals around the projection 2B2 beneath turntable 228 and is connected to a coaxial connector 252 on the front of case N32. The loose spirals in the cable 258 are provided to permit the necessary freedom for rotation of turntable 228. The connector 264 can be connected by conventional coaxial cable, to a suitable null-detector, for example, a radio receiver.

The upper surface of turntable 228 is provided with an overlapping cover 268 (Fig. 4) secured to the side walls 234 by screws 212; a suitable annular slot 214 remaining between the edges of cover plate 268 and the case H12.

With this arrangement, the pick-up circuit is well shielded within the turntable 228 so that spurious signals are not transmitted to the null indicator. In order to further reduce stray pickup, suitable ground connections are provided where required. For example, several spring contacts 21B (Figs. 2 and 4), secured to the upper surface of block H2 at suitable intervals, are provided for grounding the cover 283 to the case I22. The contacts 216 are formed of two adjacent upwardly extending fingers 278 and 282; one of the lingers 21% making contact with the outer edge of turntable cover 268, as through a metallic roller 283, and the other finger 2232 making contact with the case N32.

The position of the probes EEC and "I20 along their respective transmission lines is adjusted by rotating the turntable 228 by manually rotating the turntable cover 262. Thus, alternate adjustment of wheel I52 and turntable cover 268 Will produce the desired null or balance condition. The position of the cover plate 268 will then indicate the phase angle of the impedance of the load being measured. Advantageously, scale marks 28% are provided on the cover plate 238 and cooperate with an index mark 288 on case :02. These scale marks may be calibrated for a given frequency, for example, 100 megacycles, so that a proportionality factor may be readily established for use at other frequencies. Thus, if such a bridge were used at a frequency of 253 megacycles it would be necessary only to multiply the readings obtained from scale 286 by a factor of 2.53 to obtain directly the impedance angle of the load circuit. It is also apparent that by means of simple open and short-circuit tests, substituted for the load, that degree marks on the calibrated scales can be checked readily for accuracy.

The null indicator may be any device that will indicate the relative magnitude of a signal at the frequency of operation, and, for example, may be a conventional radio receiver having an output meter for indicating the signal strength, or the signal applied to the main transmission line may be modulated with an audio voltage so that the null condition may be observed by listening for an audible signal from the loud speaker of the radio receiver.

It is apparent that the usual precautions in de signing null balancing equipment must be observed and stray pick-up which would interfere with obtaining an accurate null must be substantially eliminated. The particular construction of the impedance measuring unit described above is such as to inherently minimize stray pick-up voltages within the impedance measuring apparatus.

Mathematical analysis of the bridge has shown that the restrictive conditions set forth in the parent application, that is, that the inductive reactance of the magnetic probe is small in comparison with the characteristic impedance of the cable, and that the capacity reactance of the.

electrostatic probe is large in comparison with the characteristic impedance of thecable, is eliminated if the apparatus is designed so that the inductance of the magnetic probe is equal to the capacitance of the electrostatic probe multiplied by the square of the characteristic impedance of the main transmission line. As a practical matter, this condition can be realized because the capacitance of the electrostatic probe, although varying slightly with changes in position of the attenuator, is largely determined by the capacity between the disc 34C and the inner surface of the coaxial sleeve 44C; the capacity of this disc to the center conductor of the transmission line 4C, the variable component, being quite small by comparison.

It is possible to terminate the auxiliary transmission lines MC and 230 by resistance elements so that the standing wave ratios on the lines are quite small, but seldom, if ever, can the ratio be reduced to unity. However, in a system such as that described, the standing wave ratio can readily be made sufficiently small that the accuracy of the bridge is adequate for most purposes. It is also apparent that the types of mismatch caused by the termination of the auxiliary lines MC and EC, can be made identical by terminating the lines he amount of error caused by the improper termination varies with the characteristics of the load to be measured and with the frequency at which the measurements are made. Although this error would not be present if reflections on the positive and negative 90 with identical elements. h

connected to said ganging the lines I 40 and 260 were eliminated, the error exists principally because the electrostatic probe acts somewhat like a constant current generator and the magnetic probe acts somewhat as a constant voltage generator. If the terminating resistances of the lines MC and 25C differ by two percent from the characteristic impedance of the lines, errors in the readings as high as four percent could be expected, which for many purposes would be sufficient accuracy. However, by inserting a resistance element I68, having a value, for example, of about 50 ohms, in series with the magnetic probe 226 (Fig. 11) and placing a similar resistor 284 in parallel with the electrostatic probe 3&0, the errors caused by slight mismatch at the termination of the auxiliary transmission lines MC and 260 are substantially eliminated.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that the apparatus described above for coupling test signals from a transmission line is well adapted to attain the ends and objects hereinbefore set forth; the separate features being well suited to common production methods and readily susceptible to a variety of modifications as may be desirable in adapting the invention to various applications or production techniques. It is to be understood that this example is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the invention, but is given for purposes of illustration in order that others with suitable knowledge in this art can fully understand the invention and the principles thereof and the manner of applying it in practical use so that they can modify and adapt it in various forms, each as may be suited best to the conditions of a particular use. Thus, the coupling arrangement claimed below will find many uses other than in the measurement of impedance. Accordingly, it is not intended to limit the scope of the coverage of the present invention in accordance with a particular construction, or its manner of application, or its use, except as specifically provided in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A system for obtaining two samples of elec tromagnetic energy comprising means directing the transmission of high frequency energy, first and second energy coupling devices, said first and second energy coupling devices being responsive respectively primarily to magnetic and electrostatic fields an adjustable ganging mechanism connected to each of said coupling devices and arranged to move simultaneously said coupling devices along rectilinear paths extending through regions of said electromagnetic energy of varying intensity, said ganging means being so arranged that the coupling between each of said coupling devices and said electromagnetic energy varies as a predetermined function of its position along said path, and a calibrated indicator means for indicating the relative coupling of said devices to said elec tromagnetic energy.

2. A system for obtaining two samples of electrical energy comprising means directing the transmission of high frequency energy, a first energy coupling device including a loop primarily responsive to the electromagnetic field associated with the current component of said electrical energy, a second energy coupling device including a capacitive probe primarily responsive to the electrostatic field associated with the voltage component of said electrical energy, and an adjustable gauging mechanism connected to each of said coupling devices and arranged to move simultaneously said coupling devices along rectilinear paths extending through regions of said electromagnetic energy of varying intensity, said gauging means being so arranged that as the coupling between one of said coupling devices and said electromagnetic energy is increased, the coupling between the other coupling device and said electromagnetic energy is decreased simultaneously.

3. A system for obtaining two samples of electrical energy comprising a transmission channel carrying high frequency energy, first and second pick-up probes, an adjustable gauging mechanism connected to each of said probes and arranged to move simultaneously said coupling devices along rectilinear paths extending through regions of said electromagnetic energy of varying intensity, said gauging means being so arranged that as the coupling between one of said pick-up probes and said electrical energy is increased, the coupling between the other pick-up probe and said electromagnetic energy is decreased simultaneously, said first' pick-up probe comprising a loop primarily responsive to an electromagnetic field, said second probe comprising. a capacitive probe primarily responsive to an' electrostatic field, the voltage induced in said probes being predetermined functions of their positions along their respective paths, and a calibrated indicator operatively connected to said gauging mechanism for denoting the relative coupling between said probes and the high frequency energy of said channel.

4. A system for obtaining two samples of electrical energy comprising a transmission channel carrying high frequency energy, first and second plunger type attenuators coupled to said channel, said first attenuator including a loop primarily responsive to the electromagnetic field associated with the current component of said electrical energy, said second attenuator including a capacitive probe primarily responsive to the electrostatic field associated with the voltage component of said electrical energy, and an adjustable gauging mechanism connected to each of said attenuators and arranged to vary simultaneously and oppositely the attenuation thereof so that as the attenuation produced by one of them increases the attenuation produced by the other decreases.

5. A system for obtaining two samples of electrical energy comprising a transmission channel carrying high frequency energy, a first plungertype attenuator magnetically coupled to said channel, a second plunger-type attenuator capacitively coupled to said channel, and an adjustable ganging mechanism connected to each of said attenuators and arranged to vary simultaneously and oppositely the attenuation thereof so that as the attenuation produced by one of them increases the attenuation produced by the other decreases, said attenuators having the same rate of attenuation fora given mechanical adjustment thereof for the particular operating mode.

6. A system for obtaining two samples of electrical energy comprising a coaxial transmission line carrying high frequency energy, first and second plunger type attenuators coupled magnetically and electrostatically, respectively, to said coaxial line, an adjustable gauging mechanism connected to each of said attenuators and arranged to vary simultaneously and oppdsitely the attenuation thereof sothat as theattenuation produced by one of them increases the attenuation produced by the other decreases, and a. calibrated indicator operatively connected with said ganging mechanism for denoting the relative magnitudes of attenuation of said attenuators.

'7. A system for obtaining two samples of electrical energy comprising a transmission channel carrying high frequency energy, a first plungertype attenuator magnetically coupled to said channel, a second plunger-type attenuator capacitively coupled to said channel, and an adjustable gauging mechanism connected to each of said attenuators and arranged to vary simultaneously and oppositely the attenuation thereof so that as the attenuation produced by one of them increases the attenuation produced by the other decreases, said second plunger-type attenuator having an internal diameter larger than said first attenuator and arranged so that said attenuators have similar rates of change in attenuation as a function of the mechanical movement of the attenuators.

8. A system for obtaining two samples of electrical energy comprising a main coaxial transmission line carrying high frequency energy, first and second plunger-type attenuators coupled magnetically and capacitively, respectively, to said coaxial line, said first attenuator including a partially-shielded loop primarily responsive to the electromagnetic field associated with the current component of said electrical energy, and a first resistor connected in series with said loop, said second attenuator including a capacitive probe primarily responsive to the electrostatic field associated with the voltage component of said electrical energy, and a second resistor connected between said probe and the wall of the attenuator plunger, and an adjustable gauging mechanism connected to each of said attenuators and arranged to vary simultaneously and oppositely the attenuation thereof so that as the attenuation produced by one of them increases the attenuation produced by the other decreases.

9. Signal attenuating and coupling apparatus comprising a main coaxial transmission line, a first adjustable piston attenuator magnetically coupled to said main transmission line, a second adjustable piston attenuator electrostatically coupled to said main transmission line, said electrostatically coupled attenuator having a larger internal diameter than said magnetically coupled attenuator and being proportioned so that equal mechanical adjustments of said attenuators produces the same rate of change in magnitude of the attenuation in each attenuator, ganged driving means connected to each of said attenuators for adjusting simultaneously said attenuators in opposite manners whereby as the attenuation of one of said attenuators is decreased the attenuation of the other is increased simultaneously. and a scale associated with said driving means for indicating the relative attenuations produced by said attenuator.

10. A system for obtaining two samples of electrical energy comprising a transmission line carrying high frequency energy, a first energy coupling device including a loop primarily responsive to the electromagnetic field associated with the current component of said electrical energy, a second energy coupling device including a capacitive probe primarily responsive to the electrostatic field associated with the volt- 13 age component of said electrical energy, and an adjustable ganging mechanism connected to each of said coupling devices and arranged to move simultaneously said coupling devices along rectilinear paths extending through regions of said electromagnetic energy of varying intensity, said ganging means being so arranged that as the coupling between one of said coupling devices and said electromagnetic energy is increased, the coupling between the other coupling 10 device and said electromagnetic energy is decreased simultaneously, the inductance of said sion line.

References Cited in the file of this patent Number UNITED STATES PATENTS 

